Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 19: Even as you try to maintain oral hygiene, your toothbrush might be harboring more harmful microbes than the food you eat. Experts warn that bacteria from toilets to thrush-causing yeast can accumulate on your toothbrush, potentially posing health risks.
A 2020 study published in Microorganisms found that toothbrushes can carry 1–12 million bacteria and fungi from hundreds of species. These microorganisms form biofilms on bristle surfaces or hide in fractured bristle stalks. Daily brushing provides them with saliva, food particles, and skin cells—ideal conditions for growth.
Marc-Kevin Zinn, a microbiologist at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Germany, identifies three main sources of microbial contamination: the user’s mouth, skin, and the environment in which the toothbrush is stored. While many microbes, like Rothia denocariosa and Streptococcaceae mitis, are normal and even beneficial, harmful bacteria such as Streptococci and Staphylococci can cause tooth decay and gum inflammation. Other pathogens detected include Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida yeast, which can lead to infections and thrush.
Toilets also contribute to contamination. Flushing can send tiny droplets containing bacteria and viruses—including Covid-19, influenza, and norovirus—up to 1.5 meters into the air. Studies indicate that 60% of student toothbrushes in communal bathrooms contained fecal bacteria, often originating from someone else’s brush. Some viruses, like herpes simplex virus-1, can survive on toothbrushes for up to 48 hours, while certain bacteria may even be antibiotic-resistant.
Tips to Protect Your Toothbrush:
• Store toothbrushes upright at room temperature to air dry; avoid closed containers.
• Soak bristle heads in antiseptic mouthwash for 5–10 minutes.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months—or more frequently for individuals with weakened immune systems.
Maintaining these practices can help reduce microbial growth and protect your oral and overall health.